Storage rack for mine tools with enhanced connectivity and related methods

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for use with a mining machine for storing tools in a convenient manner. A first mining tool includes a first connector adapted to connect with the mining machine, such as by connecting parallel bars with receivers on a head end of a boom. A storage rack is provided for storing the first mining tool in a manner that facilitates ready attachment with the mining machine. The storage rack also includes a second connector adapted to connect itself with the mining machine, which may be by connecting parallel bars with receivers on a head end of a boom, similar to the manner in which the first mining tool is connected. Related methods are also disclosed.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/855,378, filed May 31, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is directed to the mining arts, and more specifically, to a storage rack for mine tools adapted for selectively connecting with a mining machine in the same manner as the mine tools.

BACKGROUND

Mining machines make use of a multitude of different accessories, such as mine tools, during the mining process, including a variety of cutter and picker attachments. These accessories need to be available on site of the mining operation, such that the accessories may be interchanged as necessary. However, the size and weight of these accessories can make them difficult to transport and store.

Typically, mining machines are unable to actively engage the storage rack on which these accessories are housed. Instead, moving the storage rack about requires the use of an additional vehicle to transport the mining accessories to the location of the mining operation. This can contribute to significant amounts of downtime and create added costs.

Furthermore, changing the attachments can be a difficult and time-consuming endeavor. Oftentimes, mining accessories feature different connecting devices, which can require the implementation of adapters in order to change the mining tool attached to the mining machine. This too can lead to significant downtime and added cost.

Accordingly, one objective of the present disclosure is to provide a storage rack for mine tools which may be engaged by a mining machine for transport using the same type of connection as the mine tools. A further objective is to provide a storage rack that facilitates the connection of the tools to a mining machine, such as a vehicle including a boom.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided for use with a mining machine. The apparatus comprises a first mining tool having a first connector adapted to connect with the mining machine and a storage rack for storing the first mining tool. The storage rack includes a second connector adapted to connect with the mining machine.

In one embodiment, the first connector and the second connector each comprise a pair of generally parallel bars for connecting with receivers on a boom of the mining machine. The apparatus may further comprise a second mining tool having a third connector adapted to connect with the mining machine. The storage rack may be adapted for storing the second mining tool. The third connector may comprise a pair of generally parallel bars for forming a connection with receivers on a boom of the mining machine.

In this or another embodiment, the storage rack comprises a plurality of compartments. Each compartment is adapted to store a mining tool in a manner that facilitates connection to the mining machine. The mining tools may comprise a scaler, a cutter, or other similar implements.

A further aspect of the disclosure pertains to an apparatus for use with a mining machine. The apparatus comprises a storage rack for storing a plurality of mining tools. Each of the mining tools is adapted to connect to the mining machine. The storage rack is further adapted to connect with the mining machine in the same manner as each of the plurality of mining tools.

In one embodiment, the storage rack further includes a connector adapted to connect with the mining machine. The connector may comprise a pair of generally parallel bars for forming a connection with receivers on a boom of the mining machine. The storage rack may further comprise a plurality of compartments, each for storing one mining tool of the plurality of mining tools in a manner that facilitates connection to the mining machine. The storage rack may include vertically spaced shelves for supporting upper and lower portions of at least one mining tool.

Still a further aspect of the disclosure relates to an apparatus for use with a mining machine having a boom. The apparatus comprises a storage rack for storing a plurality of mining tools, the storage rack including a first connector adapted for connecting to the boom of the mining machine.

In one embodiment, the connector comprises a pair of generally parallel bars, and the mining machine boom includes hooks for engaging the generally parallel bars of the connector. The apparatus may further include at least one mining tool having a second connector for connecting to the mining machine boom. The apparatus may further include a plurality of mining tools, each having a connector for connecting to the mining machine.

This disclosure also pertains to a method for storing mine tools for use by a mining machine. The method comprises connecting the mining machine to a first mining tool in a storage rack including a plurality of mining tools and using the first mining tool to perform a mining operation. The method further comprises placing the first mining tool in the storage rack and disconnecting the first tool from the mining machine. Still further, the method comprises connecting the storage rack to the mining machine and transporting the storage rack about using the mining machine.

In one version, the step of connecting the storage rack to the mining machine is completed prior to the step of connecting the mining machine to the first mining tool, and the method further includes the step of disconnecting the storage rack from the mining machine prior to the step of connecting the mining machine to the first mining tool. The method may further comprise the step of connecting and disconnecting the mining machine to a second mining tool in the storage rack after the placing step.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The above and further advantages of the disclosed concepts may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a storage rack for mine tools;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the storage rack;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the storage rack;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the storage rack;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the boom connector;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the boom connector engaging the storage rack; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the boom connector engaging a mine tool in the form of a cutter.

The dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity or several physical components may be included in one functional block or element. Further, sometimes reference numerals may be repeated among the drawings to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Moreover, some of the parts depicted in the drawings may be combined into a single function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, or structures may not have been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

The invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Certain features of the invention that are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

In accordance with FIGS. 1-6, a storage rack 10 is provided for storing one or more mine tools for being connected to a mining machine 12. The mining machine may be, for example, a vehicle with wheels or tracks including a boom 14 with the ability to raise and maneuver the mine tool when connected thereto. The mine tools may comprise any desired type of tools or implements for being used during a mining operation, such as for example a scaler or pick 16, a cutter 18, or any other item useful for dislodging materials from a face of a mine location, such as an underground passage, but possibly at above-ground locations as well (such as pit or strip mines).

Each of the mining tools 16, 18 includes a connector 20, as indicated in FIG. 6. In the illustrated example, this connector 20 comprises a pair of generally parallel, horizontal bars 20 a, 20 b. These bars 20 a, 20 b may be sized, shaped and otherwise arranged for engaging a connector having corresponding receivers or hooks 22 a, 22 b associated with and forming a means of connection on a head end of the boom 14 to form a selective engagement with the tool when desired for use. One or more of the tools 16, 18 may also include an auxiliary connector 24 for establishing a powered (hydraulic) connection with the mining machine 12 to facilitate movement of the tool relative to the boom 14 (e.g., including rotation of a cutting head in the case of the cutter 18). The particular types or arrangement of connectors 20, 24 is not considered essential to the practice of the invention disclosed.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, the storage rack 10 is adapted for supporting the tools, such as pick 16 and cutter 18, in a manner that facilitates establishing a quick and reliable connection with the mining machine 12. Specifically, as perhaps best understood from FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the tools 16, 18 are supported within distinct compartments 10 a, 10 b of the rack with the respective connectors facing upwardly and at an angle, thus facilitating establishment of the connection from above when the boom 14 is oriented above the rack 10 and lowered into position in engagement with the tool 16, 18 (such that the corresponding connectors, in this example bars 20 a, 20 b and receivers or hooks 22 a, 22 b, may engage and establish a secure, but releasable connection). Withdrawal of the boom 14 once connected thus allows the tool 16 or 18 to be freely lifted from the storage rack 10 for use (such as cutter 18 in FIG. 7), and then returned in a similar manner for exchange, as necessary or desired for a particular mining operation.

In the particular embodiment illustrated, it can be understood that each compartment 10 a, 10 b is adapted for receiving a differently shaped tool, yet holds it in an orientation such that the associated connector 20 is presented at the same position (e.g., height and angle) for connection, which helps to speed connection time and ensure repeatability. In the version shown, the first compartment 10 a is adapted for receiving a scaler 16, which is a relatively squat tool with a majority of it extending in a generally vertical direction. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, this portion of the rack 10 includes generally angled, laterally spaced supports 10 c, 10 d for engaging and supporting the scaler 16 in an upright condition, with the associated connector 20 extending at an angle relative to the vertical and horizontal planes.

In the illustrated example, the other compartment 10 b is adapted for receiving a cutter 18, which as shown in an elongated tool. Thus, the rack 10 includes longitudinally spaced shelves 10 e, 10 f for supporting upper and lower portions of the cutter 18 forward of the connector 20. Still, as can be appreciated, the same general orientation of the connector 20 is achieved. Of course, it is possible to provide different arrangements for different tools, or the same arrangement for a variety of similar tools (e.g., multiple cutters or scalers having different working implements).

According to a further aspect of the disclosure, the storage rack 10 itself is adapted for forming a connection with the mining machine 12. As perhaps best understood from FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, this may be achieved by providing the rack 10 with an integral connector 26 for connecting to the boom 14 in the same or a similar manner as each of the mining tools the storage rack is adapted to receive. Specifically, the connector 26 includes a pair of generally parallel, horizontal bars 26 a, 26 b for connecting with the receivers or hooks 22 a, 22 b, as shown in FIG. 6, which connector may be oriented in the same manner as the connector(s) 20, 24 of the associated tools, as illustrated.

The connection once established between the mining machine 12 and connector 26 thus allows for the entire storage rack 10 including the tools to be carried about for relocation, as desired. The mining machine 12, such as via the receiver 22 of the boom 14, may then be disconnected and reconnected to a particular tool in a quick fashion, avoiding the need for a separate vehicle to transport the tools to the location of the mining machine 12 (but in this regard, it is noted that the rack 10 may be provided with tubular members or receivers 28, such as along a base thereof, for receiving the forks of a forklift to facilitate raising or lowering the rack, as may be desired).

Summarizing the disclosure, a storage rack 10 is providing for storing a plurality of mining tools, each adapted for connecting to a mining machine, and the storage rack itself is also itself adapted for connecting with the mining machine. In this manner, a single mining machine may be used to not only readily connect with the different tools being stored, but may also be used to transport the tools about to different locations for use as desired. Enhanced efficiency and profitability of the mining operation may thus result.

Each of the following terms written in singular grammatical form: “a”, “an”, and the”, as used herein, means “at least one”, or “one or more”. Use of the phrase One or more” herein does not alter this intended meaning of “a”, “an”, or “the”. Accordingly, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used herein, may also refer to, and encompass, a plurality of the stated entity or object, unless otherwise specifically defined or stated herein, or, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the phrases: “a unit”, “a device”, “an assembly”, “a mechanism”, “a component, “an element”, and “a step or procedure”, as used herein, may also refer to, and encompass, a plurality of units, a plurality of devices, a plurality of assemblies, a plurality of mechanisms, a plurality of components, a plurality of elements, and, a plurality of steps or procedures, respectively.

Each of the following terms: “includes”, “including”, “has”, “having”, “comprises”, and “comprising”, and, their linguistic/grammatical variants, derivatives, or/and conjugates, as used herein, means “including, but not limited to”, and is to be taken as specifying the stated components), feature(s), characteristic(s), parameter(s), integer(s), or step(s), and does not preclude addition of one or more additional components), feature(s), characteristic(s), parameter(s), integer(s), step(s), or groups thereof. Each of these terms is considered equivalent in meaning to the phrase “consisting essentially of. Each of the phrases “consisting of and “consists of,” as used herein, means “including and limited to.”

The phrase “consisting essentially of,” as used herein, means that the stated entity or item (system, system unit, system sub-unit device, assembly, sub-assembly, mechanism, structure, component element or, peripheral equipment utility, accessory, or material, method or process, step or procedure, sub-step or sub-procedure), which is an entirety or part of an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed invention, or/and which is used for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed invention, may include at least one additional feature or characteristic” being a system unit system sub-unit device, assembly, sub-assembly, mechanism, structure, component or element or, peripheral equipment utility, accessory, or material, step or procedure, sub-step or sub-procedure), but only if each such additional feature or characteristic” does not materially alter the basic novel and inventive characteristics or special technical features, of the claimed item.

The term “method,” as used herein, refers to steps, procedures, manners, means, or/and techniques, for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those steps, procedures, manners, means, or/and techniques, either known to, or readily developed from known steps, procedures, manners, means, or/and techniques, by practitioners in the relevant field(s) of the disclosed invention.

Throughout this disclosure, a numerical value of a parameter, feature, characteristic, object or dimension, may be stated or described in terms of a numerical range format. Such a numerical range format, as used herein, illustrates implementation of some exemplary embodiments of the invention, and does not inflexibly limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, a stated or described numerical range also refers to, and encompasses, all possible sub-ranges and individual numerical values (where a numerical value may be expressed as a whole, integral, or fractional number) within that stated or described numerical range. For example, a stated or described numerical range “from 1 to 6” also refers to, and encompasses, all possible sub-ranges, such as “from 1 to 3”, “from 1 to 4”, “from 1 to 5”, “from 2 to 4”, “from 2 to 6”, “from 3 to 6”, etc., and individual numerical values, such as “1.3”, “2, “2.8”, “3”, “3.5”, “4”, “4.6”, “5”, “5.2”, and “6”, within the stated or described numerical range of from 1 to 6″. This applies regardless of the numerical breadth, extent or size, of the stated numerical range.

Moreover, for stating or describing a numerical range, the phrase “in a range of between about a first numerical value and about a second numerical value”, is considered equivalent to, and meaning the same as, the phrase “in a range of from about a first numerical value to about a second numerical value”, and, thus, the two equivalents meaning phrases may be used interchangeably. For example, for stating or describing the numerical range of room temperature, the phrase “room temperature refers to a temperature in a range of between about 20° C. and about 25° C., and is considered equivalent to, and meaning the same as, the phrase “room temperature refers to a temperature in a range of from about 20° C. to about 25° C.

Terms of approximation, such as the terms about, substantially, approximately, etc., as used herein, refers to ±10% of the stated numerical value. “Generally polygonal” means that the shape has flat surfaces, as with a polygon, but may have rounded corners connecting these surfaces.

The phrase “operatively connected,” as used herein, equivalently refers to the corresponding synonymous phrases “operatively joined”, and “operatively attached,” where the operative connection, operative joint or operative attachment, is according to a physical, or/and electrical, or/and electronic, or/and mechanical, or/and electro-mechanical, manner or nature, involving various types and kinds of hardware or/and software equipment and components.

It is to be fully understood that certain aspects, characteristics, and features, of the invention, which are, for clarity, illustratively described and presented in the context or format of a plurality of separate embodiments, may also be illustratively described and presented in any suitable combination or sub-combination in the context or format of a single embodiment. Conversely, various aspects, characteristics, and features, of the invention which are illustratively described and presented in combination or sub-combination in the context or format of a single embodiment may also be illustratively described and presented in the context or format of a plurality of separate embodiments. 

1. An apparatus for use with a mining machine, comprising: a first mining tool having a first connector adapted to connect with the mining machine; and a storage rack for storing the first mining tool, the storage rack having a second connector adapted to connect with the mining machine.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connector and the second connector each comprise a pair of generally parallel bars for connecting with receivers on a boom of the mining machine.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a second mining tool having a third connector adapted to connect with the mining machine.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the storage rack is adapted for storing the second mining tool.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the third connector comprises a pair of generally parallel bars for forming a connection with receivers on a boom of the mining machine.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the storage rack comprises a plurality of compartments, each for storing a mining tool in a manner that facilitates connection to the mining machine.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first mining tool comprises a scaler.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first mining tool comprises a cutter.
 9. An apparatus for use with a mining machine, comprising: a storage rack for storing a plurality of mining tools, each adapted to connect to the mining machine, the storage rack further adapted to connect with the mining machine in the same manner as each of the plurality of mining tools.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the storage rack further includes a connector adapted to connect with the mining machine.
 11. The storage rack of claim 10, wherein the connector comprises a pair of generally parallel bars for forming a connection with receivers on a boom of the mining machine.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the storage rack comprises a plurality of compartments, each for storing one mining tool of the plurality of mining tools in a manner that facilitates connection to the mining machine.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the storage rack includes vertically spaced shelves for supporting upper and lower portions of at least one mining tool.
 14. An apparatus for use with a mining machine having a boom, comprising: a storage rack for storing a plurality of mining tools, the storage rack including a first connector adapted for connecting to the boom of the mining machine.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the connector comprises a pair of generally parallel bars, and the mining machine boom includes hooks for engaging the generally parallel bars of the connector.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, further including at least one mining tool having a second connector for connecting to the mining machine boom.
 17. The apparatus of claim 14, further including a plurality of mining tools, each having a connector for connecting to the mining machine.
 18. A method for storing mine tools for use by a mining machine, comprising: connecting the mining machine to a first mining tool in a storage rack including a plurality of mining tools; using the first mining tool to perform a mining operation; placing the first mining tool in the storage rack and disconnecting the first tool from the mining machine; and connecting the storage rack to the mining machine and transporting the storage rack about using the mining machine.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of connecting the storage rack to the mining machine is completed prior to the step of connecting the mining machine to the first mining tool, and further including the step of disconnecting the storage rack from the mining machine prior to the step of connecting the mining machine to the first mining tool.
 20. The method of claim 18, further including the step of connecting and disconnecting the mining machine to a second mining tool in the storage rack after the placing step. 